Coppell Aggrieved by Penalty

Steve Coppell has spoken out about the legitimacy of Newcastle`s penalty and equaliser in last night`s league game.

Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports News, the Reading boss said he and his team felt very much aggrieved by Rob Style`s decision that altered the state off the game and contributed to the 3-2 score-line that sunk Reading and ended their four game winning streak.

‘Having got ourselves in a good position, my players are adamant the penalty, which changed the game, should never have been.

‘For us it is disappointing to give away a lead at half-time.”

The controversial penalty was won by Obafemi Martins after the referee perceived the striker was felled by defender Ibrahima Sonko. Martins converted the penalty moments later and levelled the score.

But despite contesting the penalty Coppell was typically calm and had a characteristic blasé attitude:

‘Having seen the angle of the referee, he could never have seen whether there was contact on the ball or not

‘It is a sign of our progress we have come here and taken part in an entertaining game, but it is disappointing we have come away with nothing.”

A win last night would have boosted the Royals into third place, with 3points over any of their rivals.

Coppell summed up the game as: ‘A massive frustration and disappointment.’
But what do you think? Was the incident worthy of a penalty in your eyes? And would the score have changed significantly if it was not awarded? Please comment below.